Champaign County workers deliver notice of intent to strike; seeking fairer wages

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WAND) — Champaign County workers represented by the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) sent a five day notice of the union's intent to strike to county management on Monday.

AFSCME says employees want fairer wages to keep up with rising costs.

"What we are asking for is fairness," said AFSCME Local 900 Chief Steward Brianna Harrison. "We're asking to be able to go to the doctor without worrying about exorbitant increases to our health insurance costs. We're asking for fair wages that allow us to provide for our families. These are things that all working people in Champaign County deserve."

Employees voted to authorize a strike about five weeks ago, but the union has not been able to reach an agreement with management.

AFSCME members work in most Champaign County departments, including the courthouse, Brookens Administration Center, the highway department, animal control, the coroner's office and the county jail.

"We're proud to deliver crucial public services to the people of Champaign County," said AFSCME Local 900 President Cecelia Phillips. "We don't want to strike, but management's lack of respect for us and our work is leaving us with no other option."

The Champaign County Executive's office told WAND that they will continue to engage in the mediation process and look forward to hearing specific, workable solutions to address AFSCME's concerns.

"The notice came as a surprise as AFSCME had yet to issues a serious response to the County's economic proposals, which include $2,000 in bonuses, 12 weeks paid parental leave, a 3 percent wage increase retroactive to January, reduced healthcare costs, an additional day off, and additional sick leave," said Chair of the Champaign County Board Labor Committee Emily Rodriguez.

The union bargaining committee could call a strike any time after the five day notice period ends.